Question

Astronauts on the international space station feel weightless because

Answer 1

Astronauts on the International Space Station feel weightless because they are in a state of free-fall around the Earth. Despite the presence of gravity, they and the objects around them are falling at the same rate, creating the sensation of weightlessness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Astronauts on the International Space Station feel weightless because they are in a state of free-fall. Although there is gravity acting upon them, they are continuously falling around the Earth. This sensation of weightlessness is similar to passengers in an elevator with a broken cable or in an airplane without engines. In these situations, both the astronauts and objects are falling at the same rate, creating the illusion of weightlessness.

Answer 2

They are feeling weightless because there is no external contact force pushing nor pulling upon their body, in each case gravity is the only force acting upon their body.